Video of Election Forum

Scroll down for video footage of the ArtsVote Provincial Election Forum.

ArtsVote Calgary and the Calgary Public Library present a Provincial Election Forum, hosted by Russell Bowers of CBC’s Daybreak Alberta. The forum took place at 12:00 pm on Friday, March 30, 2012 at the central branch of the Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Tr SE).

(There’s an unfortunate microphone buzz for the first few minutes, but it clears up once the candidates begin to speak.)

During the celebration of Calgary as a Cultural Capital of Canada, and heading into a provincial election, there’s no better time than now to engage candidates for the Alberta Legislature in an arts forum. While there is a vibrant and thriving arts community in Alberta, there are issues affecting this creative sector that threaten the viability of many arts organizations and the livelihood of individual artists.

Building on the public support of ArtsVote Calgary activities during the 2010 Calgary municipal election, ArtsVote Calgary is once again hosting an all-party forum. This opportunity for the arts community and the candidates to come together and engage in conversation will bring forward significant arts related issues. The arts community has been asked to submit the questions to be put to the candidates. This will make for a relevant and topical discussion. Leaders of each of the provincial parties or their designates will be in attendance for the debate.

We are honoured to have radio personality Russell Bowers, host of CBC’s Daybreak Alberta, as the forum’s moderator.

ArtsVote Calgary is pleased to be partnering with the Calgary Public Library for this event. This new relationship demonstrates the strength of community collaboration.

“The Calgary Public Library is excited to partner with ArtsVote Calgary to present the ArtsVote Calgary Election Forum, for the upcoming provincial election. As a community catalyst and connector since the Memorial Park Library opened in 1912, the Calgary Public Library is proud of the role we play in civic literacy, ensuring that all Calgarians have access to the information and opportunities they need to be informed and engaged citizens. This forum provides a unique opportunity for Calgarians to interact with local candidates and ask questions about the important role of the arts and culture in our communities.”
– Ellen Humphrey, Deputy CEO, Calgary Public Library.

“Every election is an opportunity for dialogue about what matters to us, as citizens and as voters. The arts are an integral part of Alberta’s identity and, moving into this provincial election, we’re excited to have a conversation with all the parties to foster the vital relationship between government and a thriving arts community.”
– Mark Hopkins, ArtsVote Calgary volunteer.

The ArtsVote Calgary Election Forum will be held at the central branch of the Calgary Public Library (616 Macleod Trail SE) at 12:00pm on Friday March 30, 2012.